Monitor NMS Science NeedsClick on individual links below to learn more about the immediate science needs for critical management issues. For a full list of management issues and science needs, please review the MNMS Management Plan. To contact us about the science needs described below, contact the Sanctuary Research Coordinators.

Human Dimensions(Updated 6/18/2014)Critical to all aspects of resource conservation is the participation of the public and the users of those resources. A better understanding and quantification of the socioeconomic impacts of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS or Sanctuary) as well as perceptions by the public towards larger marine protected areas off the coast of North Carolina is needed to make more informed future management decisions.

Invasive Species(Updated 6/18/2014)The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS or Sanctuary) was designated in 1975 to protect the wreck of the famed vessel. Since designation, the Sanctuary has started to expand its research and monitoring of resources beyond maritime heritage resources to include biological resources as well. Fundamental to this change is the basic requirements to inventory and characterize invasive species that live in and around the MNMS. With this information MNMS will be better informed and able to assess the status of invasive species living in the Sanctuary, make more informed management decisions, and take action as needed.

Key Species(Updated 6/18/2014)The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS or Sanctuary) was designated in 1975 to protect the wreck of the famed vessel. Since designation, the Sanctuary has started to expand its research and monitoring beyond maritime heritage resources to include biological resources as well. Fundamental to this change is the basic requirement to inventory and characterize key species that live in and around the MNMS. With this information, MNMS will be better equipped to make more informed management decisions and take assertive action to assess and monitor the status and trends of key species within the Sanctuary.

Marine Debris(Updated 6/18/2014)Marine debris found within the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS or Sanctuary) can adversely affect Sanctuary resources.

Public Engagement, Communication, & Outreach(Updated 6/18/2014)Public interest and input is crucial to the sanctuary and its management. Established relationships must be maintained while new ones are made in order to gain stakeholder support, especially as the idea of sanctuary expansion is entertained. Therefore, audiences should be identified so that communication and outreach towards community members, decision-makers, partners, and the public are presented in a way that best facilitates understanding and engagement.

Resource Degradation and Corrosion(Updated 6/18/2014)Corrosion potential analysis of submerged cultural material needs to be conducted to make informed management decisions and aid in predictive modeling.

Shipwreck Habitat and Biodiversity(Updated 6/18/2014)Limited baseline data inhibits the ability to track the biological health of the resources in the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS or Sanctuary) or to understand the function of shipwrecks as habitat

Water Quality(Updated 6/18/2014)The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary's (MNMS or Sanctuary) natural and cultural resources can be significantly impacted by changes in water quality. Limited baseline data inhibits the ability to track water quality and can impede effective management decisions and action.